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Are you caught in the dilemma of choosing Pokerstars vs 888poker? Both online poker sites have a fantastic reputation, promotions, and bonuses, so making a choice can be difficult.
That’s why we decided to dive deep and check and compare both sites for you. From their online poker traffic to their unique features, we’ve got you covered.
Pokerstars or 888poker?
Both 888poker are excellent choices if you are looking to play online poker. However, there are multiple significant differences between these two major sites.
Pokerstars used to be the world’s largest poker site, but recently, GGPoker took over the crown. Therefore, it is safe to say that there are multiple appealing Pokerstars alternatives and 888poker is one of them.
We want to deliver you an in-depth comparison of these two sites, focusing on their online poker traffic, rake structure, and promotions.
Pokerstars vs. 888poker Traffic Comparison
In the competitive landscape of online poker, player traffic serves as a critical barometer, indicating not just a platform’s popularity but also shaping game variety, tournament prize pool sizes, and the overall pulse of the poker community.
| Metric | Pokerstars | 888poker |
| Average Player Volume | More than 10,000 players | Around 2,000 players |
| Peak Times | Weekends & special events | European evening hours |
| Global Reach | High (Worldwide) | High in Europe, growing elsewhere |
| Variety of Games | Broader range due to higher traffic | Popular formats always active |
| Tournament Sizes | Larger fields & bigger prize pools | Smaller fields, higher chance of cashing in |
| Table Selection | Wider selection at various stakes | Less waiting time at popular stakes |
Take Pokerstars, for instance. As a globally recognized poker platform, it consistently showcases impressive player traffic. On a regular day, the site averages over 10,000 players online.
However, during hallmark events like the ‘Sunday Million’ or the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP), these numbers can surge to over 100,000 participants.
Such high traffic during peak hours, especially on weekends and during special promotions like MicroMillions, ensures players have access to a diverse range of tables, stakes, and game formats, from cash games to sit-n-gos and multi-table tournaments.
Moreover, Pokerstars’ international tournaments, such as the European Poker Tour (EPT), attract players from various regions, ensuring the platform buzzes with activity 24/7.
On the flip side, 888poker, while not as densely populated as Pokerstars, maintains a commendable player count. On average, around 2,000 players are online during peak times.
This number can spike during their flagship events like the 888poker LIVE’ series or the Super XL Series.
This consistent traffic creates a more intimate setting, which can be advantageous for players looking to engage in their ‘Cam Tables’, where players can use webcams to see their opponents.
The platform’s traffic peaks during European evening hours, reflecting its strong European presence and success in events like the 888poker LIVE London.
However, with recent expansions into markets like South America, 888poker is diversifying its player base.
Poker Variants Compared
When drawing a comparison, Pokerstars, with its Spin & Go tournaments, offers a quick-play format that can turn a small buy-in into a large payout, showcasing the platform’s variety.
In contrast, 888poker’s Blast Poker serves a similar purpose but with a unique twist, ensuring that popular games like Texas Hold’em remain fresh and engaging.
The expansive player base of Pokerstars often translates to larger tournament fields, with events like the SCOOP offering prize pools exceeding $100 million.
Meanwhile, 888poker’s Sunday Challenge might have a smaller field, but with a $100,000 guarantee, it offers players a substantial opportunity to cash in.
In terms of table selection, Pokerstars’ Zoom Poker allows players to face different opponents in every hand, maximizing action, while 888poker’s Snap Poker offers a similar fast-fold format, ensuring minimal wait times.
Essentially, Pokerstars, with its global tournaments and vast player base, presents a bustling poker environment. In contrast, 888poker, with its innovative game formats and regional focus, offers a more tailored poker experience.
The choice between the two might come down to whether a player values a vast, global community or a more regional, innovative approach to the game.
Interim Conclusion
Overall, it is safe to say that the overall quality of games is higher at Pokerstars. You have more tables running throughout the day; however, the competition is also stronger on average.
If you are looking for softer games, you will have a better time at 888poker, even though you will have fewer tables to choose from.
Pokerstars vs 888poker Rake Structure
Pokerstars employs a ‘true percentage’ method for its rake calculation. For stakes ranging from $0.01/$0.02 to $1/$2, the rake percentage varies between 4.125% to 6.25%, with caps depending on the number of players, reaching up to $3.45 for higher stakes.
| Stakes | Pokerstars Rake % | Pokerstars Cap | 888poker Rake % | 888poker Cap (2 Players) | 888poker Cap (3+ Players) |
| $0.01/$0.02 | Varies (up to 6.25%) | Up to $3.45 | 6.25% | $0.5 | $0.5 |
| $0.02/$0.05 | Varies (up to 6.25%) | Up to $3.45 | 5.88% | $1 | $1 |
| $0.05/$0.10 | Varies (up to 6.25%) | Up to $3.45 | 5.62% | $1 | $2 |
| $0.10/$0.20 – $0.15/$0.30 | Varies (up to 6.25%) | Up to $3.45 | 5.62% | $1 | $4 |
| $0.25/$0.50+ | Varies (up to 6.25%) | Up to $3.45 | 6.25% | $1 | $4 |
On the other hand, 888poker’s rake structure for its NL games ranges from 5% to 6.25% for stakes between $0.01/$0.02 and $0.25/$0.50+.
The cap for 2 players is consistent at $0.5 for the lowest stakes, but it can go up to $4 for higher stakes with more players.
Notably, 888poker offers a consistent 5% rake across all stakes for private games with varying caps based on the number of players.
In essence, while both platforms have competitive rake structures, the choice between them might hinge on individual preferences, such as the stakes played, the number of players at the table, and the specific games one is interested in.
Certainly! Here’s an HTML table that provides a clear comparison of the rake structures for NL cash game tables on Pokerstars and 888poker:
Pokerstars vs 888poker Software Comparison
Both, PokerStars and 888poker have invested heavily in their software to provide players with a seamless and engaging poker experience.
However, it is obvious that Pokerstars was the first poker site to feature an absolutely outstanding poker software that was years ahead of its competitors.
PokerStars’ software stands out for its robustness and versatility. It’s equipped with advanced features like multi-tabling capabilities, customizable themes, and detailed player statistics, making it a top choice for serious poker players.
The platform’s software is frequently updated, ensuring optimal performance and the introduction of new features based on player feedback.
Overall, the Pokerstars is considered to be the industry-leading standard, and it is super easy to use even players with slow computers won’t face issues multitabling at Pokerstars.
On the other side, 888poker’s software is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and innovative additions.
The platform offers unique features such as PokerCam tables, where players can use webcams to see their opponents, and 3D poker tables, providing a more immersive gaming environment.
Additionally, 888poker’s software is available on various devices, including mobile, allowing players to enjoy poker on the go.
Both platforms prioritize security, with advanced encryption techniques in place to safeguard player data and ensure fair play.
In essence, while PokerStars offers a more professional-oriented software experience, 888poker focuses on creating a fun and interactive environment for its users.
Pokerstars vs 888poker Bonuses and Promotions
In the competitive world of online poker, bonuses and promotions are essential tools platforms use to attract and retain players.
These offers not only provide added value, but can significantly influence a player’s choice of platform. Here’s a detailed look at what Pokerstars and 888poker bring to the table:
Pokerstars
Pokerstars offers multiple poker promotions for its players, combining rakeback and a first deposit bonus package.
Welcome Bonus
Historically, Pokerstars has been known to offer a 100% match bonus up to $600 for new players.
This means if a player were to deposit $300, they’d receive an additional $300 in bonus funds. This bonus is released in increments as players accumulate points from playing real money games.
Star Rewards
The ‘Star Rewards’ program is Pokerstars’ way of rewarding loyal players. For every $1 paid in rake or tournament fees, players earn 100 reward points.
These points can then be exchanged for various rewards. For instance, accumulating 350 points can earn a player a chest containing prizes ranging from $0.50 to $700.
Special Promotions
Pokerstars often hosts the ‘MicroMillions’ series, a set of tournaments with low buy-ins (as low as $1.10) but substantial guaranteed prize pools. These prize pools can sometimes reach up to $1 million for the main event.
888poker
888poker also featured multiple promotions for its players, which are quite similar to Pokerstars’ poker promotions.
First Deposit Bonus
888poker also offers an exclusive first deposit bonus to its players which is even bigger than Pokerstars’ first deposit bonus.
By signing up through us, you can get a massive 200% up to £650 Welcome Bonus and £20 No Deposit Bonus.
Loyalty Program
The 888poker Club is a tiered loyalty program where players earn points for playing real money games. For example, winning a poker hand in cash games can earn a player 16 points. As these points accumulate, players can climb levels, with each level offering its set of rewards, such as cash bonuses or tournament tickets.
Recurring Promotions
One of 888poker’s recurring promotions is the ‘Daily Challenge Series’. Players participating in these daily tournaments have a chance to win a share of up to $145,000 every week.
- Immediate Value: While both platforms provide substantial bonuses, 888poker’s no-deposit bonus is a unique offering, giving new players immediate value without any initial investment.
- Reward Systems: Pokerstars’ reward system is more dynamic, with the potential for high-value rewards from chests. In contrast, 888poker offers a more predictable and structured reward system through its loyalty levels.
- Tournament Bonuses: Pokerstars’ ‘MicroMillions’ series offers players with smaller bankrolls a chance to win big, while 888poker’s ‘Daily Challenge Series’ provides consistent value to regular players.
In essence, both Pokerstars and 888poker have bonuses and promotions that are suitable for different kinds of poker players.
Their offer is quite similar, and therefore it is difficult to distinguish a clear winner in this aspect.
Community Feedback
Community feedback is a vital gauge of a platform’s reputation and performance. For Pokerstars, many players commend its wide game variety and large tournaments, as evidenced by discussions on forums like TwoPlusTwo.
However, some users have expressed concerns over its competitive player pool. In contrast, 888poker often receives praise for its user-friendly design and softer cash tables, especially from reviews on sites like Trustpilot.
Yet, there are occasional mentions of slower withdrawal times. In essence, while Pokerstars is favored for its game diversity, 888poker is appreciated for its beginner-friendly environment.
Pokerstars vs 888poker: Our Conclusion
888poker and Pokerstars each have their strengths and weaknesses. Pokerstars boasts a large player base and diverse games, highlighted by events like the Sunday Million.
Meanwhile, 888poker offers a no-deposit bonus and a clean design, drawing players who prefer a closer-knit community, especially in Europe.
If you want variety and competition, choose Pokerstars. If you value a friendly environment and special promotions, 888poker is for you.
